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Music Lesson Reviews from Students

Students are raving about their Music instructors on TakeLessons.
Check out some of these recent reviews.

Review by Bridget

"One of the best teachers I have ever had

I am a 15 years old and have been taking lessons with Jillian for about a year and a half. I started out as a be

ginner and she was so patient with me and encouraged me continuously so that I can feel confident in myself. She also made the experience so much fun, while other teachers I've had made it stressful. She is also so knowledgable and talented but never made me feel bad that i wasnt at her level. Jillian is also cares about all her students and their progress. I cant recommend her enough to everyone who wants to learn!!"

...

New York, NY teacher:
Jillian V.

Review by Paul

"My daughter LOVES Olivia - she is a great teacher and maximizes each hour with her, teaching her skills she can use and build on week after week. She is v

ery knowledgable and teaches in a logical, structured manner to ensure that the subject is understood and true learning occurs. Olivia is patient with our daughter as she learns new concepts and provides great feedback. We couldn't be happier with the lessons Olivia presents to our daughter!"

...

New York, NY teacher:
Olivia D.

Review by Mali

"I am an adult beginner on cello, but I play a number of other instruments reasonably well. Lenna is attentive to my specific needs and adapts what we work

on to focus on technique such that I don't feel, as I have with some other teachers at times, that I am dragging my feet a little bit. She is very patient and kind while also providing me with the constructive input I need. I would highly recommend her for adults, and I can see her working very well with children as well given her kind and patient manner."

...

New York, NY teacher:
Lenna P.

Review by Isaac

"I can see myself growing vocally, and musically if I continue my lesson with Ramona. I was comfortable singing when we met for the first time. She know ho

w to break the ice. Simply amazing. Thanx Ramona 👍🏽"

...

New York, NY teacher:
Ramona D.

Review by Maribe

"Excellent!

Two months of lessons have proven very productive. I have seen great improvement in my daugher's abilities and confidence. Barbee is mild in h

er ways yet tenacious; always pushing to the next level. I like that I am able to sit through the lesson. The classes run on schedule. Barbee is responsive to calls/texts and is flexible with schedule changes."

...

New York, NY teacher:
Barbee M.

Review by Peyton

"Matt is an amazing teacher! He was patient and encouraging, and he made my son comfortable from the start. We are very appreciative!"

New York, NY teacher:
Matt L.

Review by Robert

"Ben is such a nice guy patient with my son (15) he comes home proud of what he learned after each lesson!!"

New York, NY teacher:
Benjamin H.

Review by Merideth

"Fantastic! He picked up on my skill level right away and tailored the lesson specifically for me. Would definitely recommend!"

New York, NY teacher:
Karl L.

Review by Josephine

"Carolyn gave me a solid, accessible foundation of theory which I could directly apply to my audition situations. Instead of panicking when I get a piece o

f new music, I now see it as a treasure trove of information I now have the key to unlock. Thanks to her, I am an empowered actor, and that’s always a good thing!"

About scott m.

About scott

Scott EXPERIENCE: Started playing guitar at age 8, took lessons at Carroza Music for 4 yrs, then Bramson’s music for 8 yrs, also private instruction and briefly with jazz guitar legend Chuck Wayne at the Westchester Conservatory of Music. Total years playing guitar 40! I have recorded 7 Cds including World beat, Cardio Kickboxing, Christian, Guitar Style Sampler, been spotlighted in Guitar Player magazine and done session work and recording with other artists. I have also played in bands playing venues in NY and CT

MUSICIANS I HAVE PLAYED WITH Ali Ryerson-flute (played with Pavarotti and Carnegie hall) Pete Velasquez-percussion (Santana and Barefoot)

*** Lesson Details ***I like my students to have a good working knowledge of the fret board right away and then begin use of chords and playing songs and having FUN while doing so!!! Then as they begin to progress learning chord theory, scales, some basic music theory, improvisation, soloing, advanced lead guitar,recording tricks and tips, and stage presence. I basically tailor suit the lessons too the individual based on age, experience and learning goals and create a positive and educational experience for both of us.

...

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scott m.

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scott m.

Carmel, NY 10512

starting at

$40
/ 30-min

About Steven W.

About Steven

Hailing from New York City, Steven W. has been involved in the performing arts his entire life, which began as he received his training from a number prestigious arts institutions...Julliard (where he studied piano), New York University (where he studied music education), and the Katie Agresta Vocal Studio (whose other students include Sting, Bon Jovi, Cyndi Lauper, Annie Lenox and many more, including the casts of numerous Broadway shows).

Steven is currently an indie rock solo singer/musician/producer with a number of albums in release (on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and more); recently spent two months as NY's #1 indie artist on Reverbnation's charts, and continues to perform all over the country. Steven also records and tours with country artists, playing huge festivals all over the world.

Having performed on small cabaret stages

for just a few people, and in stadiums for 60,000, he believes in not only teaching technique, but also how to tailor a performance for the appropriate situation. It's this combination of technical training, and performance experience, that Steven brings to his classes as a teacher.

Steven W.

Steven W.

About Mary P.

About Mary

Mary is a Tony nominated writer, actress, and teacher whose Broadway credits include Martha Jefferson in "1776" and Grace Farrell in "Annie". She was a starring soloist In Leonard Bernstein's "Mass" at the Kennedy Center and the Metropolitan Opera and toured as featured vocal with Michel LeGand in concerts including Carnegie Hall. Off Broadway credits include her own musical, "Cradle Song". She studied voice with the great Sue Seton and later with opera star and tenor coach at the Metropolitan Opera, Felix Knight. She teaches a combination of both their legendary techniques. As an actor, she studied acting with Sanford Meisner in NYC, the Rheinhardt Seminar in Vienna, Austria and has been teaching and directing beginning, intermediate and professionsl singers and actors for over fifteen years. Former students have appeared on "Thirt

y Rock", Gilmore Girls", "Law and Order" and others. Her goal in working with her students is not only to teach healthy vocal technique, but in keeping with her theatre background, her strong belief that "Every song is a scene or monoglogue" leads her to make sure the student know what they are singing or speaking about, and can do so with a clarity of emotion and dramatic intent.She has a BA in theatre/voice from the University of Kansas where she serves on the Advisory Board For the Department of Theatre and Film and has an MFA from the Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program at NYU Tisch School of the Arts where she is a guest lecturer. She is a member of AEA, SAG/AFTRA, AGMA and The Dramatists Guild. "Mary is able to reach not only those students who are already excited about theater but inspire those who have no previous knowledge of it. To watch these young men and women become more and more accomplished is a marvelous thing. She inspired them all."...Mark St. Germain, Obie winning playwright.

*** Lesson Details ***In a one hour lesson, we will spend twenty five minutes on vocal exercises designed to teach support and placement. Having performed leads on and Off Broadway, I know that without good technique you can't do eight shows a week, do back to back sets in a nightclub or cabaret or tour as a pop or rock singer. The second half of the lesson is spent on songs. As an acting as well as vocal coach, I focus on dramatics as well as musical interpretation. A singer must be connected to the words as well as the music. I hope to teach you to love singing as much as I do.

*** Specialties ***pop and musical theatre singingcollege and theatre auditions/monologues and song performance

...

Reviews

Amy March 14, 2018·Singing·In studio

Mary is a lively, voluble person with enormous experience particularly in musical theater who enjoys working with students.
Initially and as the student moves along, Mary assesses talent and abilities and then continues to periodically reassess the learning in a manner that never ceases to amaze me. I have been working with Mary for six months and found her evaluations of my strengths and what I need to work on to be spot on every time.
What I esteem most is Mary's technical acumen, the techniques she learned from her teachers and mentors and her experience as a performer. Her keen ear and eye immediately pick out every nuance being sung that needs work. She answers questions about where "to go" in throat, mouth, tongue, torso, etc., demonstrating how to correctly produce the sounds, tones, and supported breathing in question. Voice teachers, of course, are supposed to do this. Mary does this superbly.
If you are seeking a teacher who knows her technique, especially in musical theater, I highly recommend Mary.

Jason February 7, 2018·Acting·In studio

Hi Mary,
In my opinion, our session last night wasn't productive. My opinion is, you weren't really interested in teaching me. Out of the 60 minute session. I only did about 3 to 5 minutes of exercises. You spent 55 minutes talking about your past and present students, professional actors you know, show business, acting techniques and your accomplishments. You did talk about about the script that i would read and the emotion behind it, but that lead into more about your students and professional actors you know. it took you 30 minutes in your office to find that script, (which should have been done a head of time) then we went downstairs and another 25 minutes of talking before i could read it to you.

Towards the end when i finally spoke up about so much time being passed and nothing being done. You said you needed to see my personality so you can know where to start with me. That made no sense to me, how are you seeing my personality if you are the one mostly talking about your accomplishments and who you know and what you've done?
Why not pick a point and start there and see what my weak and strong points are? You also asked me the same questions you asked me on the phone, have you ever taken lessons before, why do you want to act, what do you do for work which to me just consumed more time.

What i found surprising and discouraging was when you asked me why would I take acting classes up here when there are some of the best acting schools in the world just an hour away in New York City? I wish you had said that to me over the phone before our meeting, I would reconsider taking lessons from you and just spend the extra money and go down to the city. If i were an instructor i would be grateful for anyone who sacrificed their time and money to come see me, and never ask why they chose me when there is better not that far away. With that said I have decided to cancel my remaining lessons with you please do not bill me any further.

Jason

PS Telling a person of color that they are a weird fit as a real estate agent in Croton N.Y, and would be a better fit in Brooklyn N.Y was discriminatory and offensive to me.

Griffin Scott November 17, 2017·Acting·Online

I found Mary on my search for an acting coach pertaining mostly to my upcoming drama school auditions. Her vast knowledge of this business is evident as well as her ability to help ground and craft your work. Each and every lesson was applicable towards my artistic pursuit. I consistently recommend her as a leading instructor in this field!

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Mary P.

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Mary P.

Croton on Hudson, NY 10520

(12)

starting at

$50
/ 45-min

About Brian M.

About Brian

Individualized lesson programs are geared toward your goals and the style of music, artists, and bands you are interested in. Chords, Scales, theory, technique and more are covered. Students usually give me a list of songs that they are interested in learning. Students are encouraged to read music so later on they have the ability to learn songs from books and magazines for themselves.I teach from my own learning/teaching experience and what past teachers have shown me. I use books from Berklee, Hal Leonard, Alfred and more. I usually email students files between lessons to support practicing. I also have custom backing tracks(songs/practice songs without guitar part) available.

I am teaching guitar privately. I can go to your home(Rockland County) or give lessons in my home(Stony Point). I have taught at Rockland Music and with M

usic to Your Home

Having trouble finding the right teacher locally?Webcam lessons/online live guitar lessons are also a possibility. Good for long distance lessons, late night/off hour lessons....

Brian M.

Brian M.

About Andrea V.

About Andrea

I am a recent graduate from SUNY Fredonia with a dual degree in Music Education and Violin Performance. I have taught about 10 students between ages 9-12 in my home studio. I have also worked at the Amadeus String shop individually teaching around a dozen beginner students in 2014. Teaching music is something I absolutely love to do! I believe that creating and discovering music is a gift that everyone should be able to experience and it is never too late to start! Enjoying yourself is my number one goal, then making you the best musician you can be comes afterwards. At Fredonia I have learned to become viola, cello, bass, and piano proficient so I could teach any student those instruments on a beginner-intermediate level.I am also an avid performer and fiddler. I have played in my school's symphony orchestra, chamber orchestra, and

many chamber ensembles. I have also performed with the Northern-Dutchess Symphony Orchestra, the Orchard Park Symphony, the Warren Philharmonic, the Southern Tier Symphony, and the Woodstock Chamber Orchestra. These are only a few groups I have played with!

...

Reviews

Rachel C. November 1, 2017·Fiddle·In studio

Andrea is one of those rare individuals with a zest for life that is contagious. Her lessons are fun, upbeat, and lesson time spent with her absolutely flies by. I learned a few fiddle tunes with her and loved every minute of it! As a performer she brings her charisma onto the stage with her and is an absolute joy to watch perform. I would highly recommend her to anyone who is in search of a teacher.

Julia C. June 26, 2015·Violin·In home

Andrea is a warm and friendly young teacher. While we only spent 30 minutes together for our first lesson for my 12 year old daughter yesterday, I can see that only positive things lie in store for my daughter as a violin student with Andrea this summer!

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Andrea V.

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Andrea V.

Wappingers Falls, NY 12590

(2)

starting at

$35
/ 30-min

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About Don D.

About Don

Hi, My name is Don and have been teaching guitar for many years. Currently I teach at the New York School of Music in Walden, N.Y. as well as at my home studio. From 2003 -early 2015 I was a staff instructor at Imperial Guitar and Soundworks of Newburgh, N.Y.I teach all levels and ages for such styles as Classical/Flamenco Guitar(including ABRSM EXAM PREP.), Blues, Rock, Shred, Metal, Jazz, Country, and General Instruction for Beginners and those just wanting "to know how to play some tunes.". I tailor instruction to my students' goals... not mine. Goal #1..we're having fun as we learn !.. this is not to be confused with Navy Seals Training !

...

Reviews

David August 15, 2016·Guitar·In studio

Had a great first lesson with Don. I believe I will progress nicely under his tutelage. Already have a lot to work on.

Aneiah November 7, 2015·Guitar·In studio

Years ago I took Guitar Lessons at a local music store ( a very prominent one) as a raw beginner and quickly became frustrated with my lack of progress. Although my teacher was a great player and "very hot" to look at I soon began to feel like I was merely his "practice dummy."... I'd play the chords he showed me, endlessly,... while he seemed to be just practicing his solo playing. ... I then tried On-Line Lessons from various sites which were actually even less helpful and soon just lost interest completely.
A friend of mine said she had taken lessons from a Don DeBold for about 5 years before going off to college and highly recommended him.
I've now been taking lessons from Don for almost 2 years and having a blast ! I've learned how to play along with most of my favorite songs (mainly Blues and Rock) and now I'm learning to play Solo Guitar that needs no accompaniment !
Unlike my first teacher, during many lessons Don barely plays or even has his Strat on his lap because he's busy concentrating on what I'm doing !
He's a stickler yet lots of fun at the same time> I super recommend him as a Guitar and Music Teacher !!! Aneiah J.

Kyle M. November 5, 2015·Guitar·In studio

Don is an amazing teacher to say the least!! I've playing guitar for years with never a full grasp of harmony, and within a few short hours he caught me up on some of the most vital information I was missing. A true expert teacher.. Give him a chance... You won't be disappointed!!!

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Don D.

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Don D.

Lake Katrine, NY 12449

(9)

starting at

$25
/ 30-min

About Erin H.

About Erin

Erin is a partner in an independent record label and publishing company and an accomplished singer, songwriter, guitarist, who has been teaching private and group lessons for 20 years. Erin attended SUNY New Paltz for Jazz Performance with amazing guitarists Tom Dempsey and Mark Dziuba. She later moved to Los Angeles, CA where she studied with Jazz greats Ron Eschete and Ted Green and eventually landed her first teaching job at Instrumental Music in Thousand Oaks, CA.

Erin H.

Erin H.

About Jarrett H.

About Jarrett

I love motivating my students to achieve their own goals, realize their potential, and find happiness in music. I hold degrees from Manhattan School of Music and Oberlin Conservatory, and I'm happy to travel for lessons. Individuals and groups of all ages are welcome!

...

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Jarrett H.

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Jarrett H.

Peekskill, NY 10566

starting at

$65
/ 45-min

About Aaron-Noel T.

About Aaron-Noel

I'm excited to share the joy of The Arts with you! I've had over 20 years of experience teaching vocal techniques, vocal coaching, acting, audition training, therapeutic techniques and specialize in teaching students with ASD.

A professional singer and actress, I've had the pleasure of touring the U.S.A, Canada, Europe and cruise lines as a headliner with jazz duos, trios, big bands and musicals.

...

Reviews

Marie January 19, 2018·Broadway Singing·In home

Aaron is a passionate, fun and talented teacher. She focuses on technique, which my daughter can then apply to any song. Aaron coached my daughter (and me) for her first professional audition. Three training sessions and two auditions later, my daughter was cast in Annie at Westchester Broadway Theater. Aaron was there for the opening and continued to focus on my daughter's vocal health throughout the show's run. My daughter admires, respects and enjoys working with Aaron.

Amy January 18, 2018·Broadway Singing·In studio

Aaron Noel is a wonderful teacher as well as being a superb singer and performer in her own right. She is full of enthusiasm and insight and knows how to bring the very best out of her students, while also instilling in them a love of music and performance. I highly recommend her.

Singingmom January 18, 2018·Singing·In studio

My daughter loved taking lessons with her and gained so much confidence.

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Aaron-Noel T.

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Aaron-Noel T.

Poughquag, NY 12570

(5)

starting at

$40
/ 30-min

About Jennifer K.

About Jennifer

I have had the joy of performing with orchestras in the United States, Canada, and Europe, including performances with the Music School Festival Orchestra at Chautauqua Institution, the opera orchestra for the Franco-American Vocal Academy (FAVA) in Périgueux, France, the Hot Springs Music Festival Orchestra in Arkansas, the Pacific Regional International Music Summer Academy (PRISMA) Philharmonic in Vancouver, and the Glendale Youth Orchestra at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. I have also played in pit orchestras for musicals and operas including My Fair Lady, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, and La Belle Hélène. As a soloist, I won the Texas Flute Society Collegiate Masterclass Competition, second place at the Young Artist Competition for the Atlanta Flute Club, third place at the Oklahoma Flute Society

Masterclass Competition, and was a finalist at PRISMA's Concerto Competition. During high school, I frequently competed in regional competitions under the guidance of Francine Ross Pancost. I received gold and silver medals at the Southern California Junior Bach Festival, second place at the Southwestern Youth Music Festival, and superior ratings at the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association solo competitions. I graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of North Texas (UNT), where I studied with Professor Terri Sundberg. I completed my Master of Music degree at Stony Brook University, with concertizing flutist Carol Wincenc. My other mentors include notable flutists including Jim Walker, Dr. James Scott, Dr. Elizabeth McNutt, and Dr. Mary Karen Clardy. I am now an active free-lance flutist and instructor in the Kingston area.

...

Reviews

Joanne February 3, 2018·Flute·In studio

I have listened to Jennifer as she gave flute lessons to several young beginning students. I observed that she truly cares about her students and invests herself in their progress. She has a creative teaching style, always coming up with new ways to approach the challenges of each individual student. She spends time to discover the students’ goals and structures their lesson plans accordingly. Jennifer is also a good communicator with the parents of younger students, making sure they are informed and inviting them to observe lessons if they wish. I’m sure you’ll find her a delight to work with.

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